You’ve planned and then your plans suddenly change. You know this and yet it takes you by surprise. You find that people you thought you weren’t deeply connected too are people you love. Long hugs and tears.
Today was the first day of my permanent leave from work. Ironically I did go to work and even more ironically I got there earlier than I have in months, although we’re talking ten minutes here folks. I had several reasons for showing up.
I needed to finish packing. Despite slowly bringing books home there was still a collection of stuff from my desk to bring home. I left much of small value behind, perhaps the next occupant will enjoy having bottles of ibuprofen and such available. On the other hand I need to handle a couple of administrative details and I may grab another few bits then, but still much is of marginal value.
We had a division lunch, and who can turn down “free” food. It turned out nice as there were a couple of guys I’ve worked with but haven’t seen in awhile and we could catch up.
I did a last walkabout and did some face to face goodbyes as I could. I’m glad I didn’t wear makeup. It definitely would have been a mess. I got some great hugs in, it felt good, and some tears, because it turns out that I care even more than I thought I did.
I got a good few responses from the email too, some very touching. There were things remembered that I had forgotten but had left a mark, and it was gratifying to hear that I had left some better than I found them. I tend to forget that if you care about people it shines through and people can see that. Beauty is more than skin deep in truth.
This transition from work to retirement was one I had thought was still four or five years in the future. Life has a way of surprising us.
My Gifted Life 